This is a thread for opinions and comments (DO NOT PLACE ORDERS HERE). My friend(he rebuilds rear axles part time) is making these sets since GM discontinued making the clutches and shims a while ago. He would like to get some feedback on demand and pricing points.....if anyone else is making these or is in pre-production, please let me know....thanks! ============================================================== Below and attached are pics of the 8.5 clutch kit. As you can see, there are 8 tabbed, 6 splined along with 12 selective shims, 2 each ranging from .010 to .035 in .005 increments. The prices at the moment are fixed at $199 retail (1 to 4 kits), $159 jobber (minimum order of 5 up to 19 kits), and then $129 wholesale (minimum order 20). There will be a small shipping fee, but NO handling charge. This is a heck of deal considering the GM kits are no longer available and when they were, you didn't get shims. Plus, we have a lot of money tied up in research along with the dies needed to produce these. In all likelihood, there will be no profit made from these on our part until many kits are sold, and even then, it will be nominal. We did this to help ourselves out along with local enthusiasts and hobbyists. These kits are 100% US made, from the steel to the tooling. We had the metal tested for Rockwell hardness and it specs out the same as the factory. We went with the cross hatch surface pattern (like a Chevy 12 bolt clutch) instead of the fish eye pattern for two reasons; first, the die to stamp the pattern was less costly which keeps the costs of the kits down, and secondly, this pattern offers superior lubrication which will enhance the life of the clutch. We are taking preorders right now. Once payment is received, we should be able to ship the first orders within 3 weeks.
I just bought a clutch pack from GM are they being discontinued soon? Or are they not selling them in your area?
My friend stated GM discontinued them long ago and could not find any more sets....so that is why he made these. Here is an update regarding the Eaton coil spring clutch packs: These clutches will NOT fit the Eaton style units. They are for the '71-'87 Corporate "S" spring style units only and the '67-'70 Olds Type O 12 bolts (these also "S" spring units). Eaton still manufacturers the clutch disc kits for their Eaton style 2 plate and 4 spring units. If there is anything else you need to know, please feel free to ask.
Thanks. I have the S-spring style carrier. I think mine are okay for the time being though, at least my visual inspection and how it behaves.
Carbon Steel 8.5 Clutch Kits now available for immediate shipment. The 8.5 kits were discontinued by GM back in 2009. These kits fit Oldsmobile 8.5 Type O Differentials from 1967 – 1970. These kits also fit the GM Corporate 8.5 Differentials from 1971 – 1987. This comprehensive kit is a direct replacement for GM Part Number 23-1127. Unlike the GM Kits, our kits also include 12 shims (2 of each in the following thickness: .010, .015, .020, .025, .030, and .035). These kits are 100% US made, from the steel to the tooling. We had the metal tested for Rockwell hardness and it specs out the same as the factory. We went with the cross hatch surface pattern (like a Chevy 12 bolt clutch) instead of the fish eye pattern for two reasons; first, the die to stamp the pattern was less costly which keeps the costs of the kits down, and secondly, this pattern offers superior lubrication which will enhance the life of the clutch. Please contact Bruce Ponti at BPonti442@aol.com The 8.5 Posi Clutch Disc and Shim Kits are available for immediate shipment.
My 72 8.5 posi is getting weak where both wheels wont spin all of the time, will this kit fix this? Tim
Yes, your clutch pack is probably worn out and you need new ones..contact Bruce and he can send you a set.
No, you won't be resetting the pinion or ring gear...just removing the case and installing new clutches....just make sure you keep the shims on the same side of the case as they came out.
Use a rubber hammer and drift or a large flat blade screwdriver and gently tape on the S-spring and it will walk out......reverse for installation..no hard to do.
